Culinary Schools: 10 Best

Your passion is cooking, so why not apply at one of the ten best culinary schools and enhance your skills while doing what you love. Whether throwing together a five course meal or tossing the best salad within a ten mile radius, culinary schools are a great place to start.

1. Culinary Institute of America. Applicants need at least six months approved work experience before applying. Students work in one of five restaurants on campus. Note how awesome it is that there are videos available for those who are not looking to become chefs, yet want to play like Julia Child. Location: New York.
2. The College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University. Take Culinary Arts or Baking and pastry Arts or both. Enjoy classes in hospitality management and embark upon an opportunity to study in other countries. Location: Rhode Island.
3. French Culinary Institute. Located in SoHo, this school has classes starting every six weeks. A potential chef is able to attend school in the day or evening. Some of the world’s greatest chefs come here to demo their skills. No better time than the present to experience what it is like to cook in a major city. Location: New York
4. L’Academie de Cuisine. Perfect for those looking to become chefs, but also offer an advantage to those improving cooking skills for use within the home. The basic classes are short and become longer the more advanced a student becomes. Externships are 33 hours a week. Those taking the recreational classes can sharpen their knife skills. Location: Maryland
5. Institute of Culinary Education. This is a great school to master the basics. It is also called one of the best culinary schools due to how specific some of their classes are, ranging from wine tasting to Thai cuisine. Top Chef’s Gail Simmons is a graduate of ICE. Location: New York
6. New England Culinary Institute. Small class sizes and total immersion is what makes this one of the best culinary schools. Students are thrown into real world cooking situations by working in actual restaurants. Another bonus is the admission criteria is individualized. Location: Vermont
7. Le Cordon Bleu. It is no secret that one of the most popular training schools is also one of the best culinary schools. Located on five different continents, it is an institution well known even among those unfamiliar with cooking. Flexible schedules and experienced chefs make it a delight for those serious about culinary learning. Online classes are available. Locations: North America, Australia, Europe, Asia, and South America
8. Kendall College. The school that could. Graduate in seven quarters with an associate degree or in thirteen with a bachelor's. Students put their skills to test in the school’s restaurant. For visitors, Monday nights have a five-course menu for a flat rate. Internships are offered after students complete certain classes.  Score one for Kendall in their quest to go green. Location: Illinois
9. The Art Institutes. Working from the foundation up, these schools have produced some of the most renowned chefs. The dishes are based on cuisine from some of the best chefs internationally. The Art Institute prepares students to enter restaurants and apply their skills worldwide. Located all over the United States with over 30 schools.
10. Tante Marie’s Cooking School. One of the best culinary schools not just because of technique, but because students are taught how to deal with organic ingredients as a staple. In just six months, sixteen students learn the basics of French cooking fused with California flair. A four-week externship is available to those who complete the course successfully. Classes start in April and then again in October.  Guest chefs come in to demonstrate their best dishes often. There are workshops for one week, one weekend, or one day. Location: California.

The best culinary schools all offer similar things to those who are passionate about food. There are also distinct differences. Some schools are for profit, some not; some schools have small classes, some larger. Whatever school is chosen, it is a great way to expand upon a chef’s knowledge. You may even open your own restaurant.